Reading Comprehension about The Prohibition Era of the 1920s
Read the following text about The Prohibition Era of the 1920s and answer the comprehension questions below:
1920s Prohibition Era
The Prohibition Era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, was a time when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned. This period began with the passage of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and was enforced through the Volstead Act. The movement to outlaw alcohol had gained momentum in the late 19th century, driven by social reformers and temperance advocates who believed alcohol was responsible for a range of societal problems, including crime, poverty, and family breakdowns.
Supporters of Prohibition, such as the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League, argued that banning alcohol would reduce crime rates and improve public morals. They believed that a sober society would be more productive and healthier. However, the reality of Prohibition was far from the idealistic vision of its supporters.
Instead of decreasing crime, Prohibition led to a rise in illegal activities. Organized crime syndicates, like the infamous gang led by Al Capone in Chicago, began smuggling and distributing alcohol through underground bars known as “speakeasies.” These speakeasies were secret establishments where people could drink illegally, often with the police turning a blind eye due to widespread corruption. The government struggled to enforce the ban on alcohol, as bootleggers used creative methods to smuggle liquor, including hiding bottles in cars, fake bookcases, and secret compartments.
Public opinion began to shift as the negative consequences of Prohibition became clear. The ban on alcohol was not only difficult to enforce but also led to an increase in crime, corruption, and a loss of tax revenue from alcohol sales. By the early 1930s, the call for the repeal of Prohibition grew louder. Finally, in 1933, the 21st Amendment was passed, repealing the 18th Amendment and bringing the Prohibition Era to an end.
Prohibition remains a significant chapter in American history. It highlights the challenges of legislating personal behavior and the unintended consequences that can arise from such efforts. While the goal was to create a healthier, more moral society, the actual outcome was far more complicated.
Comprehension Questions about the 1920s Prohibition Era
1. What was the 1920s the Prohibition Era in the United States?
a) A period when alcohol was encouraged by the government
b) A period when alcohol was banned
c) A time when taxes on alcohol were increased
d) A time when only certain states could sell alcohol
2. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution started Prohibition?
a) 15th Amendment
b) 19th Amendment
c) 18th Amendment
d) 21st Amendment
3. What act enforced the 18th Amendment?
a) The Temperance Act
b) The Volstead Act
c) The Prohibition Act
d) The Capone Act
4. What was one of the main reasons Prohibition supporters wanted to ban alcohol?
a) To promote organized crime
b) To decrease taxes
c) To reduce crime and improve public morals
d) To increase alcohol production
5. What were “speakeasies”?
a) Government-run bars where alcohol was legal
b) Secret underground bars where alcohol was sold illegally
c) Churches that opposed Prohibition
d) Schools teaching about the dangers of alcohol
6. Which of the following was a famous figure involved in organized crime during Prohibition?
a) Al Capone
b) Franklin D. Roosevelt
c) Upton Sinclair
d) Henry Ford
7. What was one of the unintended consequences of Prohibition?
a) Alcohol consumption dropped to zero
b) The government gained more control over the economy
c) Crime rates increased and organized crime flourished
d) Alcohol was completely eliminated from society
8. How did Prohibition come to an end?
a) The 19th Amendment repealed Prohibition
b) The 18th Amendment was ruled unconstitutional
c) The 21st Amendment was passed, repealing the 18th Amendment
d) The public voted to end Prohibition in a national referendum
9. What was one of the challenges in enforcing Prohibition?
a) A shortage of alcohol
b) Corruption and widespread illegal alcohol distribution
c) Lack of public support for the amendment
d) High alcohol prices in legal markets
10. What was one of the key lessons from the Prohibition Era?
a) Banning personal behavior is easy to enforce
b) Prohibition led to economic prosperity
c) Legislating personal behavior can have unintended consequences
d) Prohibition was universally successful in achieving its goals